St. Peter Lutheran Church Tidings

September 2015

Rev. Ron Mathews

God’s Work, Our Hands Day of Service Denver Community Build Playground was Sunday, August 23. Thank you to our team leaders and to all the

Volunteers; it was a great testament to our community of faith in action.

Sunday School Rally Day - September 13

Attention all students & parents: Sunday School will be beginning soon! We offer classes for ages 3 through grade 6.

And new this fall: we will have a Bible Study during this time for our 7th-12th grade students.

Sunday School begins after the 9 am worship service, from 10:15 am until 11:15 am.

For more information contact Anna Johnson or Amity Mathews.

St Peter sponsored 29 pickets and one

park bench!

Worship & Music Server

Sunday worship - 9:00 am *TBD = we still need volunteers *NA = not applicable

September 6 Sunday

9 am

September 13 Sunday

9 am

September 20 Sunday

9 am

September 27 Sunday

9 am

Communion Assistants

Kim Lamb TBD Kim Lamb TBD

Scripture Readers

TBD Jim Moeller TBD TBD

Acolytes

Sam Lockhart Sophia McInroy Bre Sadler

Sam Lockhart Max Thrasher

Multimedia

Jeff Bales Johnathan Leisinger

Leah Homeister Chadron Beem

Organist Amy Lockhart Sheryl Moeller Amy Lockhart Sheila Mixdorf

Sound System

Roger Donaldson Larry Oltrogge Harold Wente Gary Anfinson

Video Trevor Thurm Roger Thurm Trevor Thurm Roger Thurm

Altar Guild Connie Lobeck, Judy Gleason, Diann Curtis, Janice Gienau

Usher/Greeters Lauren Milius, Art Kurtt, Doug & Gayle Eick, Dan & Gretchen Syhre

Please find a replacement If you are unable to serve at the time you are scheduled. Your ministry is vital and we give thanks for your willingness to serve.

From the Church Office Check out the online church calendar. The link is on the opening page of our website - www.stpeterdenver.org.

Under “Most Popular” click on calendar; you will be able to see the activities scheduled for the year. If you would like to add something to the calendar please contact the office.

Bulletin Deadline: Thursdays 10:00 am and the Newsletter Deadline: 4:30 pm on the 3rd Friday of each month.

Prayer Shawl Ministry The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the 1st Thursday, every other month at 6:30 pm. Next meeting: Thursday, September 3. If you know of someone who is in need of a Prayer Shawl, please take one from the pew in the Friendship Room. Please make sure you fill out a form (located in basket on pew).

AA/Alanon AA/Alanon Step Class: Tuesday nights at 7 pm in lower level (second & fifth Tuesdays of the month) Meeting: Tuesday nights at 7 pm in lower level (first & fourth Tuesdays - round table format) Open Meeting: 3rd Tuesday of each month. Anyone who has an interest in or questions about the disease of alcoholism or anyone who fears that a loved one may be dealing with alcoholism is welcome to attend the monthly open meeting.

Reminder The property & management, mission, evangelism, stewardship, worship & music, mutual ministry board minutes, Pastoral highlights and council minutes are posted in the Friendship Room for your perusal.

Mission & Community

Wartburg Community Symphony 2015-2016 Season Waverly has proudly supported a semi-professional symphony orchestra for more than 60 years. Founded in 1952, the Wartburg Community Symphony comprises Wartburg College and local high school students and community professional musicians. The symphony performs orchestral favorites, but also presents new and innovative music, garnering recognition for its state, national, and world premieres. Upcoming performance dates: Autumn Ovation, Saturday, October 3, 8:00 pm. The concert will feature Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with award-winning pianist Sean Boktin. Holiday Classics, Sunday, December 13, 3:00 pm. Enjoy the sounds of the season as the symphony plays your favorite holiday music. Call 319-352-8691 to order tickets.

Blood Drive Volunteers On Friday, September 4th, St. Peter will be volunteering at the Life Serve Blood Drive at the Community Center from 1:30-5:30. We will need one person to serve beverages and sweet treats during one of two shifts: 1:30-3:30 or 3:30-5:30. Donated cookies, bars, or cupcakes would be appreciated. Please contact Pat Leonhart at 984-6082 if you can volunteer your time or you could share baked goods with the Blood Drive. Thank you.

GIVE ME THIRTY It’s September, and school has started. The past two years, the Board of Mission and Denver’s Elementary principals have worked together in implementing a mentoring program. It’s been a special way to share God’s love with a child. Once this school year begins, we hope to reestablish the mentoring program. Please prayerfully consider spending thirty minutes a week with a child.....it can change his/her life and your life, too. Contact Pat Leonhart (984-6082), Bev Diercks (319-279-3819), or Roxane in the office (984-5648) if you’re interested in participating or if you’d like additional information.

This September, experience Lampost Theatre Co.’s powerful production, "Racing the Train," a musical blend of comedy and drama featuring high school students from churches around the Cedar Valley! Trapped in a mortuary basement during a blackout, a group of students begin to share their lives in a way they never expected. What will they discover about themselves as they reach beyond their preconceived notions? Join this new, enthusiastic cast of students as they take us on a trip through high school and into timeless truths about life at any age. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students. Performances run Sept. 18-27. For tickets or more info, visit www.lampost.com or call (319)-277-8034.

Pie Sale WELCA will be selling whole pies at the Denver City Garage Sales on September 12th at Dean and Judy Gleason's garage, 710 E Fayette St, Denver, from 9 am until they are all sold. The WELCA Board will be calling members of the serving committees to ask people to bake and donate pies that do not need to be refrigerated (typically fruit pies, pecan pies, pumpkin pies). Even if we don't manage to reach you by phone (we don't have your correct phone number, are unable to leave a message, etc.), ANYONE is welcome to donate pies. Pies can be dropped off at church from 8:00 - 9:30 am on September 12th or at Dean and Judy Gleason's house. Proceeds from the pie sale will be used to help fund the Christmas Gift list.

September Birthdays & Anniversaries

Congregational News

September Council Minutes Highlights

Discussions on use of Church Funds and what deductions have to be approved by council or can be decided by the boards. Depends on the types of funds. Council has asked the Policy & Process team to write a proposal on definition of funds and defining a use of these funds.

Discussed where expenses for Pastor Ron to attend the Fall Theological Conference will come out of.

Pastor Ron will be serving as Vice President of Bremer County Community Partnership. Council asked Randall to lead visioning discussion for the next meeting.

Farmers Market For all you foodies: the Denver Farmers Market is open Thursdays from 4-6 pm, located in the Denver Construction parking lot again this year.

Worship series beginning September 27th

Musical Instruments/Equipment We are cleaning out some of the musical items that have not been used for a long time at St Peter. There will be a list of

items in the bulletin on September 20; A silent auction for the items will be September 27-October 4. If you are interested in looking at the items ahead of time, please contact the office. EWALU Annual Fall

Festival & Quilt Auction Saturday, September 19, 9 am.

Check out the details at camp@ewalu.org or call 563-933-4700.

1 Christopher Herman

Grace Lyons Gene & Pat Leonhart

Ella Gustafson

2 Alexandra Place

Brent & Kris Steege

3 Benjamin Foelske

Mallory Steege

4 Steve DeVries Marian Murley

Emmett Nuehring Cheryl Sharp

Ron & Marlys Krueger

5 Hether Gustafson

Bode McIlravy Judy Milius

Jace Williams Sterling & Beverly Edgar

7 Brian DeVries Jay Patterson

Rick & Sharon Robinson

8 Abry Meyer Brian Meyer

Jeff & Kim Williams

9

Romayne Coontz Grace Upshaw

Kevin & Holly Smith

11 Derrick Bartels

Kerry Thies Wesley & Barbara Gielau

12 Ryan Maitland

Loren & Sandra Sue Eick

13 Blaire Larson Jayden Wolter

Gordon & Sharon Mueller

14 Gene Leonhart Abbi Robinson

Steve & Angie Sadler

15 Kiara Michels

16

Sandra Sue Eick Donald Elsamiller

Robert Foelske Kayla Wilson

17

Jason Brinkman Peggy Smith

Michael & Leana Place

18 Amber Leisinger

19 Keaton Rothmeyer

Tony & Trudi Schimmels

20 Alex Krabbenhoft

21 Julie Smith

Spencer Vauthier Margaret Weikert

Darwin & Carol Larson Michael & Judy Vauthier

22 Kurt & Julie Gleason Chad & Carol Liddle

Ryan & Jennifer Wirtjes

23 Amber Rader

Margaret Liddle Mary Thurm

25 Bailey Nuss

26 Nancy Dryer

Chalee Gienau Michael McInroy

29 George Curtis

Karen Schwebach Harold & Marilyn Wente

30 Margaret Empie

Paul Empie Elizabeth Foelske

This year’s Stewardship theme is “Live Free.” You’re probably wondering what “Living Free” and giving back to God have in common. It’s really more a way of thinking rather than a common theme. Ever scrape by and make that monthly payment just before the Due Date? Take a look at the feelings and emotions that probably went along with it like anxiety-worry-relief. We are all familiar with the financial burdens of Life. But Hey – ever volunteer to help with a Community Playground Project? We chose to give a bit of our time and worked on the Project for several hours with no pay, at least not of the financial kind. But take a look at the feelings and emotions tied to this kind of commitment. Feelings of unity, togetherness, and a sense of accomplishment. Seeing all the volunteers with smiles on their faces, made us feel we were part of something bigger. We invested in a lasting structure for the whole community to see. These feelings and emotions seem in direct contrast to the ones mentioned at the beginning of this article. Could we be missing something? What does “Living Free” mean to you? Only Christ can set you free. Imagine freedom from the sins that hold you back.

Imagine a lighter load. John 8:36 says “So if the Son sets you

free you will be free indeed.” Sounds like something we are all looking for.

Women of the ELCA

Mission & Community

WELCA Board Meeting Monday, September 14 at 7:00 pm

WELCA Bible Study Leaders Available in the Gather Magazine

Ruth Circle Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 2 at 7 pm

Bible Study Leader: Sheryl/Sheila Hostess: Laura Larson

Mary Circle Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 2 at 1:30 pm

Bible Study Leader: Barb Klemp Hostess: Barb Klemp

Naomi Circle Next Meeting: Sunday, September 13 - out to eat with husbands

Serving Committee for September Chairperson - Mary Circle

Kathy Bartels Bev Diercks Carol Everding Janice Gienau Tanya Haase Becky Miller Sheryl Moeller Karen Schumacher Janell Stock Lori Thurm Terrie Thurm Rachel Upshaw Judy Vauthier Marge Weikert

The Northeast Iowa Food Bank The Food Bank could use our volunteer help once a month. We will be working with members of St Timothy’s Church, Hudson. The upcoming date is September 19. The time slot is 9-11 am. If you would like to help out, go to the volunteer entrance at the Food Bank, 1605 Lafayette St, Waterloo. You do not need to notify the Food Bank or St Peter. Any questions, call Joyce Miller 984-5021.

Noisy Offering The recipient of the September and October “Noisy Offering” will be New Life School. The special abilities school is in the village of Santa de Maria, Guatemala, and provides an education for children not able to attend the Guatemalan public schools. Please view more information on this mission partner at http://www.newlifeguatemala.com/.

LWR School Kits Back to school time—and as we buy school supplies for our families, St Peter people have traditionally purchased extra items to assemble school kits for Lutheran World Relief. The need for kits this year is greater than ever, and we are being challenged to respond. This year the Sunday School offering for September and October will be used to buy kit items as well as sturdy fabrics to make the bags. Supplies needed are: 8 x 10” 70 sheet notebooks, wide or college rule; no loose leaf paper, 30 centimeter ruler or centimeter on one side, inches on the other, pencil sharpeners, blunt scissors, unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers, black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel pens), box of 16 or 24 Crayola crayons (not washable), 2 1/2” erasers. And of course cash donations are welcome; place in envelope marked LWR school kits.

A group of volunteers completed 23 Lutheran World Relief School Kits during God’s Work Our Hands Day of Service!

* St Peter food donation last month weighed in at 69.6 lbs!

Thank you

High School Youth Group All high school youth are invited to join in the gatherings on the 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays of the month. The meetings are at 7:00 pm at Josh & Laura Larson’s house—1001 Donna St, Denver. Don’t for get the 7th-12th grade Lock-In, October 3-4 at St Peter.

Rally Sunday– September 13th Rally Day Sunday is September 13th! We will be meeting downstairs after worship to sing songs, meet the teachers, make some crafts and have delicious treats. Everyone is invited to join.

3 Year Old Blessing - September 20th Join us for worship on Sunday, September 20, as the 3-year-old children receive a Faith Stone and/or cross-stitch baptismal ornament, made by the women of the church for those baptized at St Peter. As children begin attending Sunday School, we give them a stone to remember their baptism.

Family Bible Study The Study is held on the first Wednesday of the month, 6:00 -7:30 pm, beginning in September. This program is for the entire Church family to attend! Snacks served at 6:00pm with interactive teaching and discussion following the FAITH5 model led by Pastor Ron. This is a great opportunity for your entire family to grow closer in faith together!

Worship Celebrations

Fusion The 4th-6th grade youth group has picked their new name. Fusion! We look forward to all the 4th-6th graders joining us for our upcoming meetings! September 2nd- Family Bible Study at 6:00 PM and September 16th– Fusion will meet at 6:30-7:30 pm. Contact Anna at the church 984-5648 or email: anna@stpeterdenver.org. with questions.

Faith Formation

Gratitude Thank you to those that participated in the backpack blessing! It was great to see all the students and teachers

in the St. Peter congregation. This is a congregation that loves and supports our children and our teachers! We will continue praying for a great 2015-2016 school year!

Sunday School Don't forget to sign up for Sunday School! September 13, 10:15 am will be the first day of Sunday School. You can register online or on our website. We also have paper forms in the office. If you are interested in helping in any way with Sunday School, please contact Anna (anna@stpeterdenver.org) or Amity (schmamity418@yahoo.com)

No School Afternoon Program On Friday, September 18th from 1:00-4:00 pm, we will be having a No School Afternoon Program. All 4th-6th graders are invited to join in on the fun! We will be having a speaker come and some great activities. Please RSVP online or in the church office.

Colaborate Bible Study We have a new Sunday School class! All 7th-12th graders are invited to join our Colaborate Bible Study on Sunday mornings at 10:15. We will have donuts and great conversations each week! Encourage the middle and high schooler in your life to join in on the fun!

Some of St Peter youth are pictured above lending a hand during the playground community build.

St Peter, Thank you so much for the EPIC Scholarship. I really appreciate it and will put it to good use at Wartburg College. Thank you again! Mitchell Mohlis

St Peter Board of Mission, Thank you so much for the wonderful meal you prepared and brought to our house after Isabel was born. We are lucky and blessed to be a part of a wonderful church family! Thanks again, The Gleasons - Kurt, Julie, Adalyn, Lydia & Isabel

Unity Point Hospice Training Volunteers may spend time reading to and visiting with patients or providing respite care to allow family caregivers a break. Support work may include helping with mailings and other special projects. A four-part orientation and training course for volunteers: September 22, 29, October 6 & 13, from noon—4 pm, at Allen Hospital. Contact Linda Alexandres before Sept. 14 to apply or for more information 319-235-5027 or linda.alexandres@unitypoint.org.

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2015 MINISTRY BOARDS Ministry Boards are a vital part of the congregational system. Lay members are currently needed for

each of these boards to function as intended. Please consider where you might share your gifts in these important ministries of the congregation. If you would like to know more about a board please contact

Pastor Ron Mathews or Steve DeVries, Congregational President. Thank you!

Church Council: Laura Larson, Steve DeVries, Jon Wolter, Philip Michels, Jeff Bales, Staci Mueller, Doug Miller, Randall Satterthwaite

Executive Board: President - Steve DeVries; Vice President –Doug Miller; Secretary - Philip Michels; Treasurer - Laura Larson.

Property & Management: Randall Satterthwaite, Neil Hartmann, Gene Leonhart, Leroy Homeister, Dwight Diercks, Roxane Franzen, Ryan Lockhart

Parish Education: Lisa Michels, Eve Pautsch, Amity Mathews

Worship & Music: Jeff Bales, Sheryl Moeller, Sheila Mixdorf, Amy Lockhart, Jo VanDeBerg, Joyce Miller, Nancy Lamos

Mission: Philip Michels, Pat Leonhart, Bev Diercks, Barb Klemp, Shirley Thurm, Gretchen Syhre

Stewardship: Jon Wolter, Doug Miller, Helen Schumacher, Dori Jurgenson

Youth & Family: Laura Larson, Megan Smith, Leah Homeister, Jackie Fober

Evangelism: Staci Mueller, Art Kurtt, LaVonne Westendorf

Mutual Ministry: Staci Mueller, Linda Krueger, Gene Leonhart, Ryan Pautsch, Julie Brinkman

Trust Fund Committee: Roxann Brown, Paul Meier, Jim Moeller, Becky Miller, Ryan Tucker

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